Abstract
Purpose: To study the effectiveness of phyto-oleic acid nanovesicles (PONVs) developed from Sargassum binderi (an alga) in healing diabetic wound in a rat model, and to establish the associated changes in cytokine network.
Methods: Phyto-extract was obtained from the whole plant of Sargassum binderi by Soxhlet extraction using petroleum ether as solvent. The crude extract was subjected to phytochemical analysis and used in the formulation of POVNs. The PONVs were formulated by entrapping petroleum ether extract of Sargassum binderi using the film hydration technique. Wound healing property was determined by measuring both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results: Tannins and steroids were the major components of the petroleum ether extract of Sargassum binderi. Serum cytokine levels were increased after inducing diabetes and creating the wound. The serum levels of IL-2, TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta were 37.3 +/- 3.3, 76.3 +/- 5.2 and 3307.6 +/- 350 pg/ml, respectively. Treatment with PONVs modulated the serum cytokine levels through significant decreases in serum IL-2, TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta levels, and significant elevation of serum IL-4.
Conclusion: These results indicate that PONVs have promising potentials for application as topical treatment for diabetic wounds.